Although most people here in the Midwest seem to enjoy sweating through the summer months, I’ve always been more of a fan of the fall. In fact, autumn is probably my most favorite time of the year. No, it’s not the start of the football season or the all-you-can eat buffet at Thanksgiving. What I most enjoy about fall is the crisp weather, changing colors, the smell of bonfires, and being outdoors. I also love taking drives outside the city limits or traveling to another part of the country to experience the season in a new place. So where am I headed this year? I’m not sure. Fortunately, the folks over at Travel & Leisure have done a bit of the legwork for me by compiling a list of the top twenty fall travel destinations in the U.S.

Below are the magazine’s top five:

Savannah, GA: Affordability, mild temperatures, and a ghost-steeped history make Savannah an attractive place for visitors during the months leading up to Halloween.

Charleston, SC: Ranked No. 1 for its notable historic neighborhoods, stylish boutique hotels, and antique shops. Visitors can enjoy comfortable weather, home and garden tours, and the famous Taste of Charleston food festival in late September.

Providence, RI: From evening bonfires that line the city’s rivers to a wonderful local theater scene, Rhode Island’s state capital is the place to be as summer comes to a close. Providence is also home to a number of great galleries and neighborhood cafes – perfect for out-of-towners just looking to relax.

Portland, ME: Portland received high marks for its popular harvest-time farmers markets and local microbrews. Visitors can enjoy a stroll on the city’s many cobblestone streets while taking in its salty air and beautiful fall foliage.

Honolulu, HI: The autumn lull offers some of the best deals of the year on a trip to Hawaii. Ranked the No. 1 destination for romance and No. 2 for families, Honolulu has many great draws in the fall including it’s humpback whale season.

Looking to rent a beautiful vacation home at one of these destinations? Check out Rent It Today for a list of vacation rentals in these cities and all across the country!

About Matthew Stephenson

Entrepreneur and co-founder of RentItToday.com. I enjoy writing about interesting stuff for rent, equipment rentals, traveling, fishing, and getting back to nature. I'm passionate about internet marketing and promoting the rental industry. Follow Google.com/+MatthewStephenson